Briefs

July 26, 2006|STAFF REPORTS

SOUTH BENDND professor named Distinguished Hoosier Harvey Bender, a professor of biological sciences and director of the human genetics program at the University of Notre Dame, recently was named a "Distinguished Hoosier" by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. The award was presented to Bender by Indiana state Sen. Joseph C. Zakas on July 18. The award citation noted Bender's teaching record as well as his research and community service. Bender, a South Bend resident, is a longtime professor of genetics and a practicing medical geneticist. He joined the Notre Dame faculty in 1960. His present research involves human developmental genetics and the epidemiology of human genetic disease. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University, he earned his master's and doctoral degrees from Northwestern University. He was named a Carnegie Scholar in 2001 and is a diplomat of the American Board of Medical Genetics. SOUTH BENDFish to be served Friday at Grace church Grace United Methodist Church will play host to its FRYday Fish Fry, a benefit for local charities, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church at 3012 S. Twyckenham Drive. The all-you-can eat fish dinner, served with coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, dessert and drinks, supports some Michiana's essential community-minded organizations. Children ages 11 and under eat free with each $7 ticket purchased. To reserve a ticket, call Grace UMC at (574) 288-4789. SOUTH BENDRegency Place to hold Sunday picnic Regency Place of South Bend, 52654 N. Ironwood Road, will celebrate its residents, family, friends and staff with a summer picnic on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The event starts with a hog roast, with an alternative menu provided to those who do not enjoy pork. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to pass. Music by The Midnight Express Band and a DJ will be played throughout the day and there will be games for children and adults alike. For more information, call (574) 277-8710. SOUTH BENDDrill team to entertain Friendship Group The Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church drill team will entertain the Friendship Group today. The group meets at 9 a.m. in the lower level at St. Paul's Memorial United Methodist Church, 1001 W. Colfax Ave. There will be exercises, announcements, a current events discussion and refreshments. The public is invited. VANDALIAFreedom Festival canceled this year The Suggs 13th Annual Freedom Festival scheduled in Vandalia on Aug. 5 and 6 has been canceled because of the health problems of Martha Suggs Spencer. She has been ill for a year. Donations are being accepted to keep the James Suggs Underground Rail Road Museum open. Donations may be sent to the Museum at P.O. Box 162, Vandalia, MI, 49095. Call (574) 232-1637 for more information.